Background of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to chucks for use with drills or with electric
or pneumatic power drivers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
chuck of the keyless type which may be tightened or loosened by hand or by actuation
of the driver motor.
[0002] Both hand and electric or pneumatic tool drivers are well known. Although twist drills
are the most common tools used with such drivers, the tools may also comprise screwdrivers,
nut drivers, burrs, mounted grinding stones and other cutting or abrading tools. Since
the tools may have shanks of varying diameter or the cross-section of the tool shank
may be polygonal, the device is usually provided with a chuck which is adjustable
over a relatively wide range. The chuck may be attached to the driver by a threaded
or tapered bore.
[0003] A wide variety of chucks have been developed in the art. In the simplest form of
chuck, three jaws spaced circumferentially approximately 120 degrees apart from each
other are constrained by angularly disposed passageways in a body attached onto the
drive shaft and configured so that rotation of the body in one direction relative
to a constrained nut engaging the jaws forces the jaws into gripping relationship
with respect to the cylindrical shank of a tool, while rotation in the opposite direction
releases the gripping relationship. Such a chuck may be keyless if it is rotated by
hand. One example of such a chuck is disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,125,673 entitled
"Non-Impact Keyless Chuck" commonly assigned to the present assignee, and whose entire
disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
[0004] Despite the success of keyless chucks such as set forth in U. S. Patent No. 5,125,673,
varying configurations of chucks are desirable for a variety of applications. Currently
utilized in a variety of chuck applications are ball bearings for reducing friction
between the nut and body from axial thrust of the nut onto the body. These bearings
are sometimes caged and have separate top and bottom thrust races. Sometimes the body
or the nut, if hard enough, can serve as the bottom or top thrust race, respectively.
It would be desirable to have a keyless chuck that requires fewer components or lower
manufacturing or assembly cost. In addition, it would be desirable to have a chuck
configuration whereby radial as well as axial thread stresses were minimized when
the chuck was operated. Further, it would be desirable to have a chuck whereby the
front sleeve is maintained in place by a nosepiece that is both functional and serves
an aesthetic purpose.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations, and
others of prior art constructions and methods.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved chuck.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a chuck that minimizes radial
as well as axial stress during operation.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a keyless chuck that has
a minimum number of individual components that must be assembled.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a chuck with an improved
nosepiece that is both decorative and retains the front sleeve in place.
[0010] These and other objects are achieved by providing a chuck for use with a manual or
power driver having a rotatable drive shaft, the chuck comprising a generally cylindrical
body member having a nose section and a tail section. The tail section has an axial
bore formed therein to mate with the drive shaft of the driver, and the nose section
has an axial bore formed therein and a plurality of angularly disposed passageways
formed therethrough and intersecting the axial bore. The chuck further includes a
plurality of jaws slidably positioned in each of the angularly disposed passageways,
each of the jaws having a jaw face formed on one side thereof and threads formed on
the opposite side thereof. The chuck further includes a nut rotatably mounted on the
body and in engagement with the threads of the jaws and a bearing thrust ring fixed
on the body member. The chuck further includes a self-contained anti-friction bearing
assembly disposed between the nut and the thrust ring and a generally cylindrical
front sleeve member in driving engagement with the nut and overlying the nose section
of the body member whereby when the front sleeve member is rotated with respect to
the body member, the jaws will be moved thereby.
[0011] These and other objects are also accomplished by providing a chuck for use with a
manual or power driver having a rotatable drive shaft, the chuck comprising a generally
cylindrical body member having a nose section and a tail section, the tail section
having an axial bore formed therein to mate with the drive shaft of the driver, and
the nose section having an axial bore formed therein and a plurality of angularly
disposed passageways formed therethrough and intersecting the axial bore. The chuck
further includes a plurality of jaws slidably positioned in each of the angularly
disposed passageways, each of the jaws having a jaw face formed on one side thereof
and threads formed on the opposite side thereof. The chuck further includes a nut
rotatably mounted on the body and in engagement with the threads on the jaws, and
a generally cylindrical front sleeve member overlying the nose section of the body
member and in driving engagement with the nut. The chuck further includes a rust-resistant
nosepiece adapted to be secured to the nose section of the body, the nosepiece maintaining
the front sleeve member in driving engagement with the nut, whereby when said front
sleeve member is rotated with respect to the body member, the jaws will be moved thereby.
[0012] Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater
detail below.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0013] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode
thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the
remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in
which:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal view, partly in section, of a chuck in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the chuck illustrated in Figure 1.
[0014] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended
to represent some or analogous features or elements of the invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0015] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion
is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the
broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the
exemplary construction.
[0016] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a chuck 10 in accordance with the present invention
is illustrated. Chuck 10 includes a front sleeve member 12, an optional rear sleeve
member 14, a body member 16 and jaws 18. Body member 16 is generally cylindrical in
shape and comprises a nose or forward section 20 and a tail or rearward section 22.
An axial bore 24 is formed in the nose section 20 of the body member 16. Axial bore
24 is somewhat larger than the largest tool shank that the chuck is designed to accommodate.
A threaded bore 26 is formed in tail section 22 of body 16 and is of a standard size
to mate with the drive shaft of a powered or hand driver (not shown). The bores 24,
26 may communicate at the central region 28 of body member 16. While a threaded bore
26 is illustrated, such bore could be replaced with a tapered bore of a standard size
to mate with a tapered drive shaft.
[0017] Passageways 30 are formed in body member 16 to accommodate each jaw 18. Preferably,
three jaws 18 are employed and each jaw 18 is separated from the adjacent jaw by an
arc of approximately 120 degrees. The axes of the passageways 30 and the jaws 18 are
angled with respect to the chuck axis but intersect the chuck axis at a common point
ahead of the chuck body 16. Each jaw 18 has a tool engaging face 32 which is generally
parallel to the axis of the chuck body 16 and threads 34 on its opposite or outer
surface. Threads 34 of any suitable type and pitch may be utilized within the scope
of the present invention as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0018] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, body member 16 includes a thrust ring member 36
which, in a preferred embodiment, is integral therewith. Thrust ring member 36 includes
a thrust face 38. Thrust face 38 includes an arcuate seating surface 40 for engagement
with the inner race of a self-contained anti-friction bearing assembly 42 as will
be described in more detail below. Thrust ring member 36 includes a plurality of jaw
guideways 50 formed around the circumference to permit retraction of the jaws 18 therethrough.
[0019] Body member 16 includes a rear cylindrical portion 44 with a knurled surface 46 thereon
for receipt of optional rear sleeve 14 to be pressed thereon if so desired. Body 16
further includes a first tapered portion 48 extending from rear cylindrical portion
44 to thrust ring 36. A second tapered portion 50 extends from the area of thrust
face 38 to a front cylindrical portion 52. Front cylindrical portion 52 is of greater
diameter than the smaller end of second tapered portion 50 and forms a first circumferential
groove 54 intermediate the nose and tail sections 20 and 22 of body 16. Body 16 further
includes a reduced diameter nose portion 56 that is adapted to receive a nosepiece
58 as will be described in more detail below.
[0020] The present invention further includes a nut 60 which, in a preferred embodiment,
is a split nut and which includes threads 62 for mating with threads 34 on jaws 18
whereby when said nut is rotated with respect to said body, said jaws will be advanced
or retracted. Nut 60 is adapted to receive a retaining band 64 for maintaining nut
60 together after it is assembled. In the illustrated embodiment, a split nut is utilized
because of the diameter of front cylindrical portion 52. Nut 60 includes drive slots
66 for mating with drive ribs 68 on front sleeve 12 so that when front sleeve 12 is
rotated, nut 60 will rotate therewith and move jaws 18 as set forth above.
[0021] A self-contained bearing assembly 42 is adapted to be placed between thrust ring
36 and a face 70 of nut 60. Self-contained bearing assembly 42 includes an inner race
72, an outer race 74 and bearing elements 76 maintained therebetween. In a preferred
embodiment, bearing elements 76 are ball bearings. Self-contained bearing assembly
42 may further include a shroud 78 surrounding the inner and outer races 72, 74 for
maintaining the bearing assembly as a self-contained component. Inner race 72 includes
an arcuate surface that is dimensioned and configured to mate with arcuate seating
surface 40 on thrust face 38 of thrust ring 36. Such mating relationship assists in
alignment and minimization of both axial and radial stresses when the chuck is operated.
In a preferred embodiment, self-contained bearing assembly 42 is a radial thrust bearing.
[0022] Use of a self-contained bearing assembly has a number of advantages. Assembly is
greatly simplified in that individual ball bearings and cages do not have to be handled.
In addition, the body and nut are not required to be as hard or dense as is necessary
with conventional bearing systems where the body or nut may also serve as a thrust
race, thus allowing more flexibility in materials and reducing secondary manufacturing
operations and, ultimately, cost.
[0023] Front sleeve member 12 is adapted to be loosely fitted over nose section 20 of chuck
10. Drive ribs 68 of front sleeve 12 engage drive slots 66 of nut 60 so that front
sleeve 12 and nut 60 will be operatively connected, i.e., when front sleeve 12 is
rotated, nut 60 will rotate therewith. Front sleeve 12 includes an annular ledge portion
78 adapted to rest at the inner face of front cylindrical portion 52 and nose portion
56. Nosepiece 58 is dimensioned and adapted to be pressed onto nose portion 56 to
maintain front sleeve 12 on chuck 10. It should be appreciated that nosepiece 58 could
also be secured by snap fit, threading or the like. Nosepiece 58 is exposed when said
chuck is assembled and is preferably coated with a non-ferrous metallic coating to
prevent rust and to enhance its appearance. In a preferred embodiment, such coating
may be zinc or nickel, however, it should be appreciated that any suitable coating
could be utilized.
[0024] Nosepiece 58 serves to maintain front sleeve member 12 in position on chuck 10 and
in driving engagement with nut 60. In addition, nosepiece 58 serves the dual purpose
of providing an aesthetically pleasing cover for nose portion 56 that inhibits rust.
This provides the advantage of an aesthetically pleasing appearance without the necessity
to coat the entire body member 16 with a non-ferrous material. If desired, the rear
sleeve member 14 may be omitted and the front sleeve member 12 extended to the tail
end of body 16. This alternative is feasible when a spindle lock or the like is provided
on the driver or when the driver is used to tighten or loosen the jaws.
[0025] The circumferential surface of the front sleeve member 12 may be knurled or may be
provided with longitudinal ribs or other protrusions to enable the operator to grip
it securely. In like manner, the circumferential surface of the rear sleeve member
14, if employed, may be knurled or ribbed if desired. The front and rear sleeves may
be fabricated from a structural plastic such as polycarbonate, a filled polypropylene,
for example, glass filled polypropylene, or a blend of structural plastic materials.
Other composite materials such as, for example, graphite filled polymerics would also
be suitable in certain environments. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the
art, the materials from which the chuck of the present invention is fabricated will
depend on the end use of the chuck, and the above are provided by way of example only.
[0026] It will be appreciated that rear sleeve member 14 is fixed to body member 16 while
front sleeve member 12 is operatively associated with nut 36 and secured to body member
16 for relative rotation therewith. Relative movement of the front and rear sleeve
members, 12 and 14, due to the interaction between threads 34 on jaws 18 and threads
62 on nut 60 causes jaws 18 to be advanced or retracted, depending upon the direction
of relative movement.
[0027] While the above description is set forth with respect to a keyless chuck, it should
be appreciated that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable
to a keyed chuck, and such is within the scope of the present invention.
[0028] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced
by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims.
In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be
interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and
is not intended to be limitative of the invention so further described in such appended
claims.
1. A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a rotatable drive shaft, said
chuck comprising:
a generally cylindrical body member (16) having a nose section (20) and a tail section
(22), said tail section having an axial bore (26) formed therein to mate with said
drive shaft of said driver and said nose section having an axial bore (24) formed
therein and a plurality of angularly disposed passageways (30) formed therethrough
and intersecting said axial bore;
a plurality of jaws (18) slidably positioned in each of said angularly disposed passageways,
each of said jaws having a jaw face (32) formed on one side thereof and threads (34)
formed on the opposite side thereof;
a nut (60) rotatably mounted on said body and in engagement with said threads on said
jaws; and
a generally cylindrical front sleeve member (12) overlying said nose section of said
body member and in driving engagement with said nut;
characterized in that
a rust resistant nosepiece (58) is adapted to be secured to said nose section of said
body, said nosepiece maintaining said front sleeve member in driving engagement with
said nut, whereby when said front sleeve member is rotated with respect to said body
member, said jaws will be moved thereby.
2. A chuck as stated in claim 1, wherein said nosepiece is coated with a non-ferrous
metallic coating.
3. A chuck as stated in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said nose section of said body includes
a ledge portion and said nosepiece maintains a portion (79) of said front sleeve between
said ledge portion and said nosepiece.
4. A chuck as stated in any preceding claim, wherein said body member includes a first
circumferential groove (54) formed therein intermediate said nose and tail sections,
and wherein said nut is mounted in said circumferential groove.
5. A chuck as stated in any preceding claim and further including a self contained anti-friction
bearing assembly (42) having an inner race (72), an outer race (74) and bearing elements
(76) cooperating together.
6. A chuck as stated in claim 5, wherein said bearing assembly further includes a shroud
(78) maintaining the bearing assembly together.
7. A chuck as stated in any preceding claim, wherein said nut includes drive slots (66)
for receipt of drive ribs (68) on the front sleeve.
8. A chuck as stated in any preceding claim, wherein said chuck includes a rear sleeve
(14) received on said taxi section.